Here, fireworks are things that go "boom" in the night and look pretty. They're not meant to kill people, and most people don't see them as symbols of "the rocket's red glare, bombs bursting in air." They're more associated with the 4th July here than words on a document written centuries ago.

Two years ago, I didn't watch or hear any fireworks, although we brought some with us. There was no celebration, and all was quiet. I'm grateful for that - I was in Kuwait, and the fireworks were real.